Letters to the Editor: Residents Voice Support for Mayoral Candidates

Olian 'an inspirational leader'

As a graphic designer working with the Late Nite HP committee, I have enjoyed the privilege of getting to know .  She is an inspirational leader whose enthusiasm and commitment to excellence bring out the best in those she works with.  She is honest and fair, willing to listen to the ideas and concerns of others and open to change when needed.  Terri is also hard-working, resourceful, and totally dedicated to making Highland Park the best place to live, work and play.  Terri’s character, experience and accomplishments overwhelmingly qualify her to be Highland Park's next mayor.

Anne Lindley Pellegrino

'Business as usual just doesn't cut it'

is a woman who is always fair and has the interest of the residents – the entire community – at heart. She works hard and smart. She understands business, law and government and has proven this through her work as an attorney, on charitable boards and during her time on various commissions and our City Council. 

Nancy recognizes that business as usual just doesn’t cut it anymore. We are in a world where day-to-day living and working is becoming more and more complex. Nancy brings us an honest, straightforward perspective and real-world experience.

Nancy knows that communication in a city provides the critical link between government and residents. Nancy has always embraced this with regular e-blasts (sent even when she is not running for office) that make us part of the conversation in a manageable way. She is out working, volunteering, advocating and living side-by-side with us every single day.

Good government must be run by great leaders. We are fortunate to have one in our community – vote April 5 for Councilman Nancy Rotering for Highland Park Mayor.

Susie and John Sultan

Olian 'a woman of values'

As a voter of Highland Park, in this election for Mayor, has my enthusiastic support.  Terri has proven that she is dedicated to making Highland Park the best town to live in for all its inhabitants. 

I had the privilege of getting to know Terri when our children were in middle school about 15 years ago. What I learned quickly and what I want voters to know is that Terri is a woman of values and she follows those values with actions. Long before Terri was active in local politics, Terri was active in our community. She has helped me provide needed food, clothing and furniture at a moments notice. Not only has Terri always responded to my pleas for in kind donations for families in need, she always responds quickly. Terri consistently has proven herself to be a caring and decisive member of our community.

Terri’s civic accomplishments and dedication, tireless work ethic, decisiveness, strong values and creative initiatives are well known. It is obvious from her five plus years on the Highland Park City Council, our community has been the fortunate beneficiary.  

I am grateful to live in a community that has Terri Olian as a community leader. We need leaders like Terri and I urge you to vote Olian for Mayor of Highland Park.

Mary Pike

Rotering has a 'fresh approach'

We are fortunate indeed. Many progressive mayors and councilmen have run our city government,  enriching our lives and our town immeasurably.  It takes hard work, foresight and skill to make an outstanding civic leader.   

Councilman  has the qualities and character to be among the best of the best of Highland Park mayors. She is independent. She looks at issues thoroughly and sees the long term outcome of a policy. She is clear about when and where there is an issue of ethics in running our city.

Nancy has pointed out the new realities in changed economic times since she has been serving on the city council.  She has thoughtfully argued for changes in how revenue is allocated.  She boldly sought adjustments on health and pensions of employees, including retired councilmen.  She did not vote for the recent city, but she wanted us to know why. (See her website.) 

Nancy has served the community on numerous commissions, boards, and committees of the city, our schools, our Park District and Moraine Township.  Let’s simply say she has demonstrated support of the environment, the education of our children, human services and more.

If you ask what Nancy Rodkin Rotering is trying to do, consider her fresh approach regarding accountability and transparency as she tackles the issues of the day.

Sixty years in Highland Park and a long tenure in county government  have deepened  my appreciation of civic leaders who are smart, decisive and committed to serving the public. 

I am voting for Nancy Rodkin Rotering. I hope you will too.

Carol Spielman

Olian's words 'mean something'

possesses the qualities Highland Park needs in our Mayor: positive leadership, a strong work ethic, a clear understanding of the issues and the ability to create a plan and take action. As President of the Highland Park Sister Cities Foundation, I have had the opportunity to work with Terri on a variety of projects. She has always impressed me with her honesty, integrity, and straight forward answers. When Terri says she will do something, she does it. Her words mean something. As Mayor, her intellect and ability to build consensus will serve our community well.  

We need a leader with experience: a leader who seeks fiscal transparency and economic development; a leader who has demonstrated a strong desire to protect our environment; a leader who listens to and involves the citizens of Highland Park in the decision-making process; a leader who supports the arts in our community. We need Terri Olian as our next Mayor. 

Carol Wolfe

Olian 'a creative and dedicated leader'

As a past member of the Highland Park Plan Commission, I am in the unique position of having worked with both candidates for Mayor.  I respect both for their intellect and devotion to public service.  I have given great consideration to both candidates, and have found significant differences that any informed voter can see.

In a previous Letter to the Editor, Abby Neumann stated that Highland Park needs a leader, not a politician.  I couldn’t agree more.  For that reason, I am urging all Highland Park residents who feel likewise to support for Mayor.  

Terri is a creative and dedicated leader for everyone in our community. Throughout her tenure first on the District 112 School Board and, for the last 6 years on the Highland Park City Council, Terri has implemented many creative programs, such as Late Night HP.   However, I believe her leadership on the City’s Downtown Alliance is of the greatest help to the taxpayers of the City.

The City’s ability to attract businesses is primary to keeping our taxes low and our services high.  The City relies more on sales tax revenue than any other source of income.  Yet, when you read the platforms of both candidates, only Terri addresses the important need for economic development.  “Growing the pot” back to pre-recession levels is critical to insuring that we continue to keep Highland Park the jewel of the area that so many of us were drawn to.  Terri understands this.  More importantly, her actions demonstrate this.  

Nancy Rotering is valued member of the City Council, but is imperative that we elect a leader with a greater vision for Highland Park.  That leader is Terri Olian.

Walter (Tripp) Hainsfurther